Snowbirds fly the coop
Traveling safely over breaks
Planes, trains and automobiles may be the title of a movie, but the three are also modes of transportation that are used considerably during the winter months.
Traveling has become a part of college life, whether for studying in another part of the country or taking a break from classes to party in another state.
During the winter months, students often miss the sunshine and the activities the summer months can bring.
In order to experience the summer fun once again without waiting a few months, students often choose to travel to the warmer states or countries during breaks.
Nancy Jurgens-Aughinbaugh, travel agent for Kvamme Travel and Cruises, said students are usually concerned mostly with the time they will be traveling.
“ They’re very date-specific about traveling,” she said. “Normally, it’s during the break period.”
Most students who travel for leisure are taking off over spring break or Easter break, Jurgens-Aughinbaugh said. Nearly 90 percent of travel takes place in warmer areas such as Florida, Texas and Mexico. Only 10 percent of student travelers are taking the colder route toward the ski hills.
Safety while traveling is a large issue that students need to be concerned with, Jurgens-Aughinbaugh said. When looking for the right spot, people need to feel secure about how to obtain their travel plans.
“ The No. 1 issue when traveling is for people to use a legitimate travel agency,” Jurgens-Aughinbaugh said.
Some travel agencies have taken advantage of students traveling for the first time. Jurgens-Aughinbaugh said many Internet companies don’t explain to their customers all the details of their trips which leaves them without hotels or return flights.
“ I’ve heard of some companies that have ripped off a bunch of students,” she said. “There are several hotels that don’t accept spring breakers and they (students) don’t know about it.”
Having a local travel agent is the best way to assure travel plans will occur without problems, Jurgens-Aughinbaugh said.
“ There can be a lot of surprises if you don’t work with a travel professional,” she said.
While in a different state or country, travelers should think safely and use common sense. Female travelers should specifically be prepared when traveling abroad.
According to the December 2005 issue of Cosmopolitan, female travelers have become more vulnerable than men because of the events of Sept. 11. Travelers should learn the cultural habits of the country in which they are vacationing in order to be less vulnerable.
Another way to practice safety before a trip is to review the area’s background. The U.S. State Department has an international Web site, www.travel.state.gov/travel, which shows current political information and travel warnings, according to the December 2005 Cosmopolitan.
“ Safety is a big factor when traveling,” Jurgens-Aughinbaugh said. “People need to realize they are in a foreign country and different laws apply.”
Students planning to travel during spring break have started looking for destination spots. The common areas such as Cancun, Mexico, are already priced for plane tickets and hotel reservations, Jugens-Aughinbaugh said.
Next year, travel plans will change internationally for all U.S. citizens.
“ After 2006, passports will be required for countries such as Mexico and the Caribbean islands,” she said.
At the beginning of 2008, travelers will be required to have passports for all land-border crossings including travel by air and sea. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers to have a passport or other document bearing the person’s identity and nationality to re-enter the United States.
The U.S. Department of State will begin this initiative “to strengthen border security and allow entrance into the United States only to U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors,” according to the Department of State Web site.